National & regional heritage conservation information

Last updated 29 April 2004
New additions since April 2004 marked with [NEW]

WHINWorld Heritage Information Network. From the site: "WHIN is a clearing house for information about World Heritage sites. These natural or man-made sites are regarded as being of outstanding universal value and have international recognition."
[http://www.wcmc.org.uk/whin/]

Historic ScotlandFrom the site: "Historic Scotland safeguards the nation's built heritage by scheduling monuments of national importance and by listing historic buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Scheduled monuments, listed buildings, and buildings in conservation areas, are protected by legislation and consent is normally required before any alteration or development can take place. The agency conserves properties in its care and provides financial assistance to private owners towards the costs of conserving and repairing outstanding monuments and buildings. Historic Scotland leads in researching issues relating to building conservation and in developing and promoting craft skills. The agency carries out specialised conservation work and is active in raising the standard of conservation practice among owners, and trade and professional groups."
[http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/]

National Committee on Carved Stones in Scotland[NEW]From the site: "The National Committee on Carved Stones in Scotland was formed in 1993 to co-ordinate responses to the threats of damage and destruction faced by Scotland's carved stones from the weather and other natural and human causes. It is an independent body composed of Representative Members from Scottish national organisations, plus a Chairperson, and up to three co-opted Individual Members. The NCCSS aims to raise awareness of the threats to Scottish carved stones of all periods, to promote their understanding and appreciation, and to encourage a common approach to their recording, publication and preservation."
[http://www.carvedstonesscotland.org/]

Scottish Stone Liaison GroupFrom the site: "The aim of the Scottish Stone Liaison Group is to enhance availability, promote utilisation and advance knowledge and skills in design, specification and use of indigenous Scottish stone in existing and new build projects."
[http:// www.sslg.co.uk/]

Natural Stone InstituteFrom the site: "The aim of the Natural Stone Institute is to provide a knowledge base that will be used to promote a better understanding of all aspects of natural stone, from its quarrying to its use in the built environment - in both new build and conservation activities. The NSI will promote good practice through: education, training, research, technical innovation and information co-ordination."
[http:// www.sslg.co.uk/NSIhome.html]

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of ScotlandFrom the site: "RCAHMS carries out a programme of field surveys and recording of the built heritage of Scotland and makes this information available to the public through the Collections of the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS). The Collections of the NMRS are also enhanced by relevant material which is gathered and added to the national archive in accordance with RCAHMS' Collection Policy."
[http://www.RCAHMS.gov.uk/]

The Architectural Heritage Society of ScotlandFrom the site: "The Society originated from a group formed in 1956 to respond to the threatened demolition of Edinburgh's George Square. It became the Scottish Georgian Society in 1959, and the present name was adopted in 1984 to reflect the broader scope of the Society's activities.... There is a network of regional groups of the Society throughout Scotland, for the convenience of organising local activities which are open to all members."
[http://www.ahss.org.uk/]

Society for the Protection of Ancient BuildingsFrom the site: "The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage."
[http://www.spab.org.uk/]

Scottish Society for Conservation and RestorationFrom the site: "SSCR is an independant organisation promoting the conservation and restoration of Scotland's historic, scientific and artistic materials. The Society maintains and improves standards by providing a forum for all those concerned with these objectives, working in the public or independent sectors or primarily interested in the conservation and restoration of objects and buildings. Members include conservators, restorers, conservation scientists, architects, curators, archaeologists, historians, conservation administrators and students."
[http://www.sscr.demon.co.uk/]

The National Trust for ScotlandFrom the site: "The National Trust for Scotland was established in 1931 to preserve places of historic interest or natural beauty throughout Scotland "for the benefit of the nation". The Trust acts as guardian of the nation's magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures. In its care are over 100 properties including castles and mansions, gardens, historic sites and battlefields, islands, countryside, waterfalls, coastline, birthplaces of famous Scots and examples of Scotland's distinctive vernacular architecture."
[http://www.nts.org.uk/]

Glasgow West Conservation TrustFrom the site: "Glasgow West Conservation Trust is a registered charity with a remit to conserve and promote the historic West End of Glasgow, one of the finest examples of Victorian town development in Britain. In partnership with the City of Glasgow Council, Historic Scotland and the Glasgow Development Agency, the Trust encourages original research, publishes conservation information, co-ordinates capital grants for restoration projects and promotes activities to enhance public appreciation of the historic townscape of the West End."
[http://users.colloquium.co.uk/~GLASGOWWEST/home.htm]

The Tayside Building Preservation TrustFrom the site: "Tayside Building Preservation Trust is constituted as a charitable company, limited by guarantee, whose objectives are to acquire, restore and find long term uses and owners for buildings of architectural and historic importance throughout Tayside. The present Trust grew out of the Dundee Building Preservation Trust, which was formed to save the Sea Captain's House and Calender Works, Dundee, from demolition."
[http://www.trp.dundee.ac.uk/research/tbpt/tbpt.html]

Scottish EnterpriseScottish Enterprise is a public body established by the UK government in 1991. The organisation's aim is to generate jobs and prosperity for the people of Scotland.
[http://www.scotent.co.uk/]

Castle Tioram Conservation Project including History and ArchaeologyFrom the site: "This web site makes available a series of documents produced by Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division, Architects ARP Lorimer & Associates and Consulting Engineers Ove Arup & Partners Scotland for Anta Estates (owner of the castle). [Since purchasing Castle Tioram in 1997] Anta Estates have concentrated their efforts on assembling a team with the experience and capabilities necessary to conserve the Castle. Many months of highly detailed research and recording have been carried out, the results of which are now being made public."
[http://www.tioram.org.uk/index.htm]

The Department of National HeritageFrom the site: "The Department of National Heritage (DNH) is the central UK Government Department responsible for Government policy on the arts, sport and recreation, the National Lottery, libraries, museums and galleries, export licensing of cultural goods, broadcasting, film, press freedom and regulation, the built heritage, the royal estate and tourism."
[http://www.heritage.gov.uk/]

United Kingdom Institute for ConservationFrom the site: "UKIC is the representative body for professional conservators and restorers in private and institutional practice in the UK. It started as a regional group of the International Institute for Conservation in 1958 and became autonomous in 1979. UKIC members are conservators, restorers and conservation scientists working in disciplines including applied art, archaeology, archives, botany, industrial archaeology, paintings, paper, sculpture and zoology. They also include many who have a professional, business or personal interest in conservation."
[http://www.ukic.org.uk/]

City University's Department of Arts Policy and ManagementMaintained by City University. From the site: "Home Page of City University's Department of Arts Policy and Management - Europe's largest interdisciplinary centre for arts, museums and heritage policy and management studies and research, housed above London's Barbican Arts Centre. In addition to detailed information about the Department and its work, this World Wide Web site offers access to a range of around 30 more original documents about many aspects of cultural policy and management, and links to over 180 other relevant Web sites and policy etc. documents."
[http://www.city.ac.uk/artspol/]

Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of EnglandFrom the site: "England has a rich legacy of historic buildings and archaeological landscapes, both of which reflect the way in which people have lived and worked over the millennia, from the earliest times to the present day. The Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England is the body entrusted by the Crown with the task of compiling a record of that invaluable shared heritage, and of making that record available to everyone concerned with understanding or managing aspects of the historic environment."
[http://www.rchme.gov.uk/index.html]

English HeritageFrom the site: "English Heritage is the Government agency responsible for conservation of the built heritage and the management of many of the country's top tourist attractions. It is the government's official adviser on all matters concerning the conservation of the historic environment and the major source of public funding for rescue archaeology, conservation areas, and repairs to historic buildings and ancient monuments. It is also responsible for the management and presentation of 407 historic properties in the nation's care."
[http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/]

The Bath Preservation TrustFrom the site: "The Bath Preservation Trust was founded in 1934 with the object of protecting the city's unique architectural heritage. Its first action was to fight plans to pull down parts of the picturesque Georgian city of Bath, England, to make way for a new road. The road was never built. Since this victory, the Trust has saved hundreds more listed buildings from demolition, and emerged victorious from many similar threats to the city. The Trust exists to preserve the historic character and amenities of Bath, one of only three UNESCO World Heritage Cities."
[http://www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/index.html]

The Folly FellowshipFrom the site: "The Folly Fellowship is a charity registered in England. Its charter is "to preserve, promote and protect for the benefit of the public follies, grottoes and garden buildings.""
[http://www.heritage.co.uk/heritage/follies/]

The 20th Century SocietyFrom the site: "The Society was founded in 1979 as "The Thirties Society" to protect British architecture and design after 1914. Our conservation activity ranges through all types of building from telephone boxes and open air swimming pools to factories and banks. It includes buildings of quality in all the styles current since 1914 - Classical, Neo-Georgian, Neo-Tudor, Art Deco and Modern."
[http://www.cms.livjm.ac.uk/www/homepage/cmsknewt/C20.HTM]

The National TrustFrom the site: "For places of historical interest or natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland."
[http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/]

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of WalesFrom the site: "The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales was established in 1908 by Royal Warrant, and now functions as an executive non-departmental government body funded through the Welsh Office. Ten commissioners and a chairman are appointed by the Crown on the advice of the Secretary of State for Wales, and they direct the work of the organisation which has over 30 staff based in Aberystwyth."
[http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/]

CADW - Welsh Historic MonumentsFrom the site: "Cadw's mission is to protect, conserve, and to promote an appreciation of the built heritage of Wales. Cadw carries out the complete range of responsibilities for the conservation, presentation, and promotion of the built heritage of Wales on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales."
[http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/]

An Taisce - The National Trust for IrelandAn Taisce. The National Trust for Ireland. From the site: "An Taisce is a voluntary organisation founded in 1948 to advance the conservation and management of Ireland's natural and built endowments in manners which are sustainable."
[http://www.commerce.ie/ca/antaisce/]

archéire - Irish architecture on-lineFrom the site: "archéire is a collection of websites focused on architecture in Ireland. It is intended to heighten awareness, and to foster debate both within Ireland and internationally. It is a diverse, growing collection of sites, with emphasis ranging from history and preservation to current architectural developments and issues."
[http://www.archeire.com/]

Risk Map of Cultural Heritage in ItalyRisk Map of Cultural Heritage in Italy. Development of systems and methods for maintenance and restoration of cultural heritage.
[http://www.uni.net/aec/riskmap/english.htm]

Conservation of historical buildings in the island of OrtygiaFrom the site: "In the following pages are reported the studies and the relative experiences carried with the purpose to define the guidelines for the construction of a "code of technical behaviors" contemplated to the conservation and the maintenance of the historical buildings in the island of Ortygia. The site will be constantly updated with scientific and technical contributions; moreover they will be attached some different descriptive cards of the workmanships considered fitter to the attainment of the conservative aim. These contributions constitute the foundation of the 'code of professional practice for the conservation of the façades of the historical buildings of Ortygia'."
[http://www.culturalheritage.net/ortygia/]

Data in Venice: Saving Outdoor ArtFrom the site: "When it comes to preserving cultural heritage, few cities face a more daunting task than Venice.....Now a Venetian computer scientist has taken preservation matters into his own hands by creating what may be the world's first computerized catalog of public art."
[http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena/org/t/techreview/www/articles/oct95/TrendTyson.html]

Amsterdam Monumenten (Dutch version)Amsterdam Heritage (English version)From the site: "Amsterdam Heritage includes an introduction to the history of Amsterdam as well as an outline of the topographical development of the city. Moreover, this website offers you a unique opportunity to take part in a virtual guided tour along the most significant historic buildings and sites. Detailed information on the architecture and on the preservation of historic buildings is presented along the way. "
[http://www.amsterdam.nl/bmz/adam/ (Dutch)
or http://www.amsterdam.nl/bmz/adam/index_e.html (English)]

Nordic World Heritage OfficeFrom the site: "The Nordic World Heritage Office was established Jan. 1st 1996, on a 3 year trial basis, based on an agreement between UNESCO and The Norwegian Government. Our general goal is to help strengthen the work of UNESCO and it's Worlds Heritage Centre in Paris and support the implementation of The World Heritage Convention from 1972."
[http://www.grida.no/ext/nwho/]

Slovenia: Conservation and Change From the site: "From 4-14 July 1998, I visited Slovenia, in a visit funded by the Department of Town and Country Planning at the University of Sheffield. My work was primarily to investigate the policies and processes of conservation and urban change, in a country that has undergone significant changes since it achieved independence in 1992."
[http://www.angelfire.com/ga/soultslovenia/]

Institute for the Protection and Preservation of Monuments of Culture of Republic of SerbiaFrom the site: "The Institute is responsible for immobile property and mobile cultural treasures in Republic of Serbia and undertakes archaeological excavations. It is also in charge of the conservation, physical and chemical tests and particularly the protection and restoration of recent history monuments and contemporary architecture."
[http://www.heritage.org.yu/index2.htm]

Cultural Heritage of MontonegroFrom the site: "Montenegro... inherits cultural heritage originating from the time of creation of the first human communities until present. Privileged to be situated on the boundary of two large civilisations - eastern and western and three great religions - Orthodox, Catholic and Islamic, numerous known and unknown builders, painters and carvers, masters of sophisticated crafts, writers, transcribes and typographers, were leaving here the masterpieces of their hands and their spirit, sublimated nowadays into a wealthy cultural heritage... By the care of state, church and above all the professional institutions as specific preservers of this heritage, the segment demonstrated here has been preserved in almost the original form with all the characteristics and values which may both inform and render the aesthetic experience."
[http://www.heritage.cg.yu/index_e.htm]

World Heritage sites in AustraliaFrom the site: "World Heritage properties are sites with exceptional natural and/or cultural values. All of the properties on the World Heritage List must meet specific World Heritage Criteria. The following document provides information on these sites, including site information, maps, pictures and legislation details."
[http://kaos.erin.gov.au/land/conservation/wha/auswha.html]

National Trust of Australia (Victoria)National Trust of Australia (Victoria). From the site: "The National Trust is Australia's largest community conservation organisation; its aim is to conserve Australia's heritage for future generations."
[http://www.vicnet.net.au/~nattrust/trust.htm]

Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural MaterialFrom the site: "In Australia, the national organization for conservators and people interested in the preservation of the nation's heritage is the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material Inc. (AICCM). Conservation covers the related activities of preservation and restoration and concerns the maintenance and safety of cultural material."
[http://www.vicnet.net.au/~conserv/aiccmhc.htm]

CRUTA, IndiaFrom the site: "The Foundation for Conservation and Research of Urban Traditional Architecture, (CRUTA Foundation) represents an on-going experiment in a public participation based programme of heritage restoration, conservation, neighbourhood and community development, and tourism promotion."
[http://iisd1.iisd.ca/50comm/commdb/desc/d36.htm]

National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural PropertyFrom the site: "The National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property (NIC) serves as a national forum for conservation and preservation activities in the United States. It provides national leadership and coordination to promote and facilitate the conservation and preservation of the nation's heritage, including works of art, anthropological artifacts, documents, historic objects, architecture and natural science specimens."
[http://www.nic.org/]

American Institute for ConservationFrom the site: "The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) is the national membership organization of conservation professionals dedicated to preserving the art and historic artifacts of our cultural heritage for future generations. Providing a forum for the exchange of ideas on conservation, AIC advances the practice and promotes the importance of the preservation of cultural property by coordinating the exchange of knowledge, research, and publications. AIC's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice defines appropriate conduct for the field."
[http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/aic/]

SOS - Save Outdoor Sculpture!From the site: "Save Outdoor Sculpture! (SOS!) is a private/public initiative to document every piece of publicly accessible outdoor sculpture in the United States and special jurisdictions and to raise awareness among local groups of the need to care for this precious legacy."
[http://www.nic.org/sos/sos.html]

Association for Gravestone StudiesFrom the site: "The Association for Gravestone Studies was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravestones. AGS is an international organization with an interest in gravemarkers of all periods."
[http://www.gravestonestudies.org/]

New Orleans Preservation Resource CenterFrom the site: "To promote the preservation of New Orleans' historic architecture by expanding the constituency that understands the economic, cultural and aesthetic importance of historic preservation, and by involving citizens in preservation projects and services that enhance living in New Orleans."
[http://www.brecht.com/prc/]

The Path of ProgressFrom the site: The Path of Progress is "a 500+ mile national heritage tour route which meanders through nine counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, a cradle of the Industrial Revolution in America."
Includes a listing of other heritage resources at http://www.sphpc.org/other/resource.htm
[http://www.sphpc.org/]

Louisiana Heritage InfoNetFrom the site: "The LHIN is a computer-based mechanism for gathering, managing, and disseminating information relevant to heritage conservation needs and opportunities in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region."
[http://mapper.cadgis.lsu.edu/lhin/]

Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia From the site: "The Preservation Alliance is the Philadelphia region's nonprofit historic preservation leader. We are dedicated to the protection and appropriate use and development of Greater Philadelphia's extraordinary historic resources - buildings, communities, and landscapes."
[http://www.libertynet.org:80/~historic/index.html]

Federal Preservation ForumFrom the site: "The Federal Preservation Forum is an active, non-profit organization founded in 1990 by a group of federal preservation professionals interested in improving federal historic preservation programs."
[http://www.ca.blm.gov/cdd/fpforum.html]

Department of Canadian HeritageFrom the site: "The Department of Canadian Heritage promotes Canada's distinctive identity and its cultural and natural heritage."
[http://www.pch.gc.ca/]

Canadian Conservation InstituteFrom the site: [The Canadian Conservation Institute is] "a Special Operating Agency of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Explore our site and discover the fascinating world of cultural heritage preservation. You can see how various artifacts and works of art are conserved and how conservators and scientists work together to develop new conservation techniques. You can also learn how this world-renowned institute can assist individuals and organizations who are responsible for preserving heritage collections."
[http://167.33.61.5/cci-icc/]

Canadian Association for Conservation From the site: "The general object of the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property is to further the dissemination of knowledge concerning the conservation of Canada's cultural property and heritage."
[http://www.cac-accr.ca/]

Centre de Conservation du QuébecFrom the site: "In the spring of 1979 the Québec government created a provincial institution, the Centre de conservation du Québec, to ensure the conservation of Québec's cultural heritage."
English & French versions
[http://www.gouv.qc.ca/francais/minorg/mccq/ccq/anglais/aindex.htm]

Monuments of CuraçaoFrom the site: "A small island in the Caribbean Sea, Curaçao boasts numerous historic sites and monuments of a great diversity. The Curaçao Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation was established in 1954. The Foundation's primary task is to acquire, restore and manage cultural property and save it for future generations."
[http://iseeyou.com/monuments/]

The Inca TrailFrom the site: "The real Inca Trail is a walking route that leads through the mountains above the Urubamba river, following (at least partly) the course of an old Inca roadway leading to the city of Machu Picchu. The virtual Inca Trail has the following advantages:
»it doesn't take several days to complete (unless you have a very slow modem)
»there are no flies
»you don't have to start by climbing 2000 metres
»it's suitable even for people who suffer from altitude sickness or vertigo
»you don't need to carry your own food
»no one has ever got amoebic dysentery on the virtual Inca Trail (yet)
On the other hand, my photographs are no substitute for the real thing."
[http://www.raingod.com/angus/Gallery/Photos/SouthAmerica/Peru/IncaTrail/index.html]

Asian Academy for Heritage Management[NEW]From the site: "The Asian Academy for Heritage Management is a network of institutions throughout Asia and the Pacific offering professional training in the field of heritage management. The mission of the Asian Academy is to strengthen professional capacity to sustainably manage heritage resources by providing a regional platform for institutional cooperation in training, research, and exchange. Under the guidance of UNESCO and ICCROM, the Asian Academy promotes integrated, holistic and multi-disciplinary management of heritage resources, including both tangible and intangible expressions of culture."
[http://www.unescobkk.org/culture/asian-academy/default.asp]